Capturing a user&#39;s intent in design software

ABSTRACT

A software program for use in designing interior and exterior spaces receives user input that is associated with one or more attributes. Subsequent user input, having other attributes, is resolved in light of the first input attributes to create a real-world depiction of design choices in real-time. For example, design choices that conflict with prior design choices are resolved (or modified as necessary) to ensure that each of the prior and present user input choices are represented in an appropriate way. The resolution by the design software is also used to create an accurate parts (and/or price) list so that when the user has completed the design of an exterior or interior space, the design can be submitted directly as an order to be fulfilled. Generally, continual resolution ensures that the user&#39;s design intent is captured in an accurate and efficient way in a user interface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/602,233, filed on Aug. 17, 2004, entitled “Method and Apparatus for the Selection, Organization and Configuration of Products through Object Oriented Design Intent”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to systems, methods, and computer program products for modeling and design.

2. Background and Relevant Art

As computerized systems have increased in popularity, so has the range of applications that incorporate computational technology. Computational technology now extends across a broad range of applications, including a wide range of productivity and entertainment software. Indeed, computational technology and related software can now be found in a wide range of generic applications that are suited for many environments, as well as fairly industry-specific software.

One such industry that has employed specific types of software and other computational technology increasingly over the past few years is that related to building and/or architectural design. In particular, architects and interior designers (or “designers”) use a wide range of design software for designing the aesthetic as well as functional aspects of a given residential or commercial space. In some cases, the designer might use some software programs that might be better suited for exterior design, and then use other software programs that might be better suited for interior design. For example, a designer might implement one software program to design an overall look of a building, and then use the software to design or position each of the functional components of the building, such as weight-bearing walls, trusses in a roof, positioning of electrical outlets, and so on. The designer might then use another software program, whether separately, or as an add-on to the first software program, to design functional walls for offices, design where to place work stations, design the position of desks, chairs, lamps, and so forth.

When designing the exterior and/or interior of a given residential or commercial space, the designer will ordinarily need to take care that each of the elements in the design are structurally sound when built. This is because typical design software allows spaces to be fairly configurable to suit the user's tastes without specific regard in many cases to whether the design will actually work. For example, one typical software design program might allow an architect to design a roof or ceiling that is ill-suited for the number or type of weight-bearing walls the architect has presently drawn. If the roof were actually constructed as designed by the architect, the roof or ceiling might collapse. In a situation such as this, however, the builder might indicate to the architect that the design is physically impossible or impractical, and ask for a redesign. This, of course, can lead to any number of inefficiencies.

Part of the problem with many design software programs that can lead to designing physically impractical structures is the notion that many such design problems require some drawing of a space in flat, two-dimensional space. For example, the outside of a building is designed in a view that emphasizes primarily only height and width, while a top (“plan”) view of a building is designed in a view that emphasizes primarily only length and width. With views such as these, the designer will either need to independently visualize the three-dimensional spacing, or will need to perform a separate three-dimensional rendering of the design, if the software allows for it.

In addition, neither the three-dimensional rendering nor the two-dimensional drawing views are designed to accommodate necessary modifications to the objects or walls, based on real-world materials, or other important constraints. For example, a designer might place several L-shaped desks in a work space that are to be arranged back to back against a cubicle wall. In an ordinary environment, positioning the L-shaped desks together might involve a next step of removing a leg where one leg might be shared, or removing a bracket from one of the L-shaped desks for similar reasons. Accordingly, both the two-dimensional views and three-dimensional renderings of conventional design software captures only what is input, and may still need the designer to later add or remove parts in a specific drawing to reflect real-world usage.

Once a design has been finalized by a designer, the designer will need to generate one or more parts lists that are reflective of the various dimensions and parts placed in any of the design views. The parts list will be used for any number of cost estimate or ordering ends. Unfortunately, there is generally not a convenient way for an accurate parts list to be generated automatically from one or more design views. For example, even though a designer might use a conventional design software program to design one or more views of a space, the designer might need to independently deduce a parts list based on each of the different views. In some cases, the designer might hire another person to identify each part, including wood or sheetrock for each wall, as well as the number of brackets or screws needed for each door hinge, desk mount, and the like.

Although there are some software programs that can produce parts lists from a generated view, the parts lists are not always accurate, and do not adequately resolve potential conflicts in designs. For example, in the case where two L-shaped desks will be adjoined in a work space, a conventional parts list that interfaces with the design software will not ordinarily be able to deduce the correct, specific amount of parts needed, such as in the case of shared components. Furthermore, the parts lists that are generated are difficult to read, and usually comprise some detailed information in text, or in a stock keeping unit (“SKU”), and do not readily inform the reader exactly what the image looks like. Thus, conventional, automatically generated parts lists must often be edited in painstaking fashion before they can be submitted to an order fulfillment company.

Accordingly, an advantage in the art can be realized with systems, methods, and computer program products that provide a designer with the ability to design spaces in a highly configurable, and user-friendly manner. In particular, an advantage can be realized with expert systems that are configured to specifically capture a designer's intent in a manner that can emphasize physically possible or practical configurations in at least one aspect.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves one or more of the foregoing problems in the prior art with systems, methods, and computer program products configured to automatically represent a user's design choices in an accurate way, and in a way that facilitates efficient building of the design. In particular, implementations of the present invention relate to automatically resolving present and prior user input in concert, and in consideration of real-world values.

For example, one method in accordance with an implementation of the present invention for representing user input through a user interface of a design software program involves receiving an initial user input. For example, the program receives an initial user input to be displayed through a user interface, where the initial user input comprises one or more initial attributes. In general, an attribute will relate to one or more real-world properties, or some other aspect of a design object (e.g., wood, or glass for a design object based on a table). The method also involves receiving a subsequent user input, where the subsequent user input includes one or more subsequent attributes that conflict with the one or more initial attributes. For example, the subsequent user input might regard the inadvertent placement of a chair under a wall. As such, one or more of the initial user input and the subsequent user input are automatically displayed by the user interface of the design software in a modified form, or, alternatively, are automatically hidden from view.

In addition, the method in accordance with the present invention involves receiving a different user input that changes at least one of the one or more initial or subsequent attributes. For example, the user modifies the previously entered initial or subsequent user inputs, and/or a corresponding attribute of the relevant input. In some cases, the additional user modification will result in no effective change to the view through the user interface, such as when the user modification still results in one or more attribute conflicts. Alternatively, if the user modification changes a prior conflict in the initial or subsequent attributes, the design software might then automatically display the initial and subsequent user input as originally received.

Furthermore, a method of generating an accurate parts list in accordance with the present invention involves receiving an initial user input relating to the positioning of an initial material in a design space, the initial material having one or more initial static attributes. The method also involves receiving a subsequent user input relating to the positioning of a subsequent material in the design space, the subsequent material also having one or more subsequent static attributes. The design software then determines one or more possible dynamic attributes of the initial material and the subsequent material based on the any of the initial and subsequent static attributes and on the positioning of the initial and subsequent material. The design software can then display a parts list interface that reflects the one or more static attributes and the determined one or more possible dynamic attributes of the initial and subsequent material.

As such, the design software continually resolves user input automatically, so that the user interface (as well as a parts list) accurately represents user inputs of design choices in real-time, and in accordance with real-world considerations.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a conceptual diagram of a user interface and one or more objects and attributes of a design software program when a user enters input into a design space in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a conceptual diagram of the user interface of FIG. 1A and one or more objects and attributes when the user has entered additional input into the design space in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 1C illustrates a conceptual diagram of the user interface of FIG. 1B and one or more objects and attributes when the user has entered still additional input into the design space in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 1D illustrates a conceptual diagram in accordance with the present invention of the user interface of FIG. 1C and one or more objects and attributes after the design software has resolved the present and prior user input;

FIG. 1E illustrates a conceptual diagram in accordance with the present invention of the user interface of FIG. 1D and one or more objects and attributes after receiving still additional user input;

FIG. 2A illustrates a parts list that is generated based on one or more objects in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates the parts list shown in FIG. 2A after one of the one or more objects used to create the parts list has been updated;

FIG. 3 illustrates a sequence of acts and steps for accomplishing a method in accordance with an implementation of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a suitable computing environment for practicing one or more implementations of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention extends to systems, methods, and computer program products configured to automatically represent a user's design choices in an accurate way, and in a way that facilitates efficient building of the design. In particular, implementations of the present invention relate to automatically resolving present and prior user input in concert, and in consideration of real-world values.

As will be understood from the present description and claims, one aspect of the invention relates to associating user input with a software object that includes static and dynamic attributes. Another aspect of the invention involves automatically adjusting dynamic attributes in accordance with prior, present, and/or additional user input. Still another aspect of the invention relates to ensuring that user selections accord with real-world values in real-time, such that user input is continually resolved with prior, present, and/or additional user input for an accurate depiction of parts and related positioning in a design space. Still a further aspect of the invention is the continual generation of an accurate parts list along with the user input, which can be displayed in a parts list interface, and does not need further review for correction or additional parts before ordering.

For example, FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary user interface for a design software program in accordance with an implementation of a user interface of the present invention. As shown, a user is presented in a selection portion 102 with a list of images or icons, such as a wall icon 110, a table icon 140, and a chair icon 170 (and the like), which represent items that can be placed in a design space 120 portion of the user interface 100. In at least one implementation, the image associated with the item (e.g., image of wall 110) in the selection portion 102 indicate the type of the item that will be placed in the design space 120. For example, the wall 110 image may appear to be tinted glass, in which case, if the user selects the wall 110 and draws the wall into the design space, the user will be drawing a tinted glass wall into the design space 120. Thus, the icons 110, 140, 170 etc., provide the user with some initial information about the item that will be drawn on selection.

Of course, the options provided to the user are not limited to the image shown, necessarily. For example, the design software can provide the user with other options (not shown) as part of the design program for modifying the type of wall 110. In particular, the user may be presented with choices to change the wall from tinted glass to a generic cubicle divider wall, a brick wall, a wooden wall, a steel wall, and so forth, which has still additional choices for coloring, texture, thickness, and so forth. This type of flexibility can also be applied to the images and icons shown for the exemplary table icon 140, chair icon 170, and any other icons, items, or the like.

In any event, FIG. 1A shows that the user selects the wall icon 110, and draws a first wall 110 a in the design space 120, as well as a second wall 110 b. When each of these walls 110 a-b are drawn, an object 115 (e.g., object 115 for table 140 a) is created, that includes one or more attributes. For example, FIG. 1A shows that object 115 for wall 110 a includes a static attribute that the wall is “gray” and made of “glass”. These static attributes are pulled from previously coordinated data that has been stored in the attribute store 105, and are thus automatically related when the user selects the wall icon 110. The object 115 also includes a dynamic attribute that indicates that the wall is 10 ft. long.

By contrast, the dynamic attributes of object 115 represent possible variants on the static attribute, and are generated on the fly as the user provides input (i.e., draws a line) in the design space 120. The user can, however, change the static attributes, such as by selecting the wall line 110 a, and changing the type of wall that is being used. This can further result in some modification to a dynamic attribute, as will be understood more fully hereinafter.

In general, when the user provides input to the design space 120, the software program resolves the dimensions of the input for real-world values. For example, if the materials of wall 110 (e.g., “gray” “glass”) were produced in 4 or 2-foot wide panels, and the user drew an 11-foot wide wall, the design software can automatically adjust the wall 110 a width to either 10 or 12 feet as appropriate. The design software might alternately adjust the wall 110 a to have six 2-foot panels (12 foot wall), five 2-foot panels (10 foot wall), two 4-foot panels and one or two 2-foot panels (10 or 12 foot wall), and so on. On the other hand, if the user selects another material (e.g., “red” “brick”) that is alternatively produced in any of 2 and 3-foot panels, the design software can then readjust to the user's original input to create an 11-foot wide wall 110 a. Thus, each of the instantiated objects for an element placed in a design space 120 can be configured to conform to the user's original selection, and thus represent that intent when possible.

As will be understood in greater detail hereinafter, user input also results in the software program resolving the user input to create an accurate parts list interface (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2B). For example, as the user provides input to create wall 110 a, the design software creates a default, dynamic parts list of elements (e.g., number of panels based on material in object 115) necessary to create the wall 110 a. This dynamic parts list can change in real-time, not only by a user adjustment of the wall width or length, but also by the inclusion of additional elements in the design space 120.

For example, when the user draws wall 110 b against wall 110 a, the design software can automatically adjust all of the necessary parts for joining walls 110 a and 110 b, and provide this information in the dynamic parts list. This information can include any necessary floor, ceiling or wall brackets, screws, nails, compounds, or the like, necessary to hold the walls 110 a and 110 b in place, individually and together, in addition to the other information related to material type. The design software also ensures that a specific type of mounting hardware is used if a specific one is required for the given material. For example, the design software might change the number and type of hardware or compounds used for a wall joint if the user later changes the material of walls 110 a and 110 b from “gray” “glass” to, for example, “brown” “wood” walls, and so on.

In any event, FIG. 1B illustrates a further aspect of FIG. 1A, in which the user next selects subsequent input for the design space 120. In particular, FIG. 1B shows that the user has added table 140 a by selecting generic table 140 from the menu 102. FIG. 1B also shows that this user input causes the design software to instantiate an object 145 of table 140 a. As with object 115 for wall 110 a, object 145 includes one or more static attributes that may be referenced from the attribute store 105, such as that the material selected for table 140 a is “blue”. Object 145 also includes one or more dynamic attributes, such as X or Y positioning information in the design space 120, as well as, for example, the number of legs, or related mounting hardware. That is, the number of legs 142 a can be changed depending on the placement and/or application of table 140 a. Accordingly, object 145 shows that table 140 a presently includes “6 legs”.

FIG. 1C shows another example of how the images and corresponding objects can change with user input. For example, FIG. 1C shows that a user again selects table 140 in order to create table 140 b into the design space 120. When the user initially selects table 140, the design software instantiates an object 147 a based on the material shown in the table 140 icon. As with object 145, the user selection causes the design software to reference a number of static attributes from the attribute store 105 and/or one or more dynamic attributes, such as X/Y positioning (i.e., position “X”), the number of legs (i.e., “6 legs”), and so on. In this Figure, however, the user has inadvertently released, or positioned, the table 140 b at least partially on top of the initial table 140 a. As such, at least one attribute (e.g. a position attribute) of table 140 b violates, or conflicts with, an attribute (e.g., a position attribute) of table 140 a. As in prior cases, this conflict can result in an additional resolution by the design software that changes this placement, or some other feature or attribute.

For example, FIG. 1D shows that table 140 b has been rotated into an appropriate position in FIG. 1C. That is, the design software automatically rotates (or repositions) the table 140 b, and places the table near the position of FIG. 1C, albeit in a physically possible conformation (i.e., not on top of table 140 a). This is reflected in object 147 b, which is an updated version of object 147 a, and shows that the position information has changed from position “X” to position “Y”. Thus, FIG. 1D shows that the design software automatically determines at least one dynamic attribute of table 140 b related to positioning information.

In addition, FIG. 1D also shows that the table 140 b has fewer independent legs (e.g., 142 b) than shown in FIG. 1C. In particular, the design software automatically determines that the type of material in tables 140 a through 140 b allow for some component sharing. In some cases, this information of component sharing will have already been indicated in the attribute store 105. The aspect of component sharing, however, did not become relevant in this instance until the design software resolved a position conflict.

As such, FIG. 1D shows that table 140 b now has 4 independent legs 142 b, and 2 overlapping legs with table 140 a, which is reflected in updated object 147 b. In particular, object 147 b reflects that table 140 b has 4 independent legs, 2 shared legs, and 2 mounting brackets for combining the tables 140 a and 140 b. The design software will also automatically make similar changes for an updated object 145 for table 140 a. For example, updated object 115 (not shown) would also show that table 140 a also now has 4 independent legs, 2 shared legs, and 2 shared mounting brackets with table 140 b.

These modifications and updates to the object and images shown in the design space 120, however, are not necessarily static, and can be changed on still additional user input. For example, FIG. 1E reflects what can occur when the user moves table 140 b from the position shown in FIG. 1D (i.e., position “Y”) to an independent position at the lower right portion of the design space 120 (i.e., at position “Z”). In this position, the initial table 140 a and subsequent table 140 b no longer have conflicting or possibly shared attributes. As such, FIG. 1E shows that the design software automatically updates the object (i.e., object 147 c) when table 140 b is now in position “Z”, such that table 140 b again has 6 independent legs 142 b. Furthermore, the design software also automatically resolves corresponding changes to table 140 a, such as with an updated object (e.g., 145) that indicates table 140 a again has 6 independent legs, and that there is also no shared mounting hardware.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate conceptual diagrams of possible parts lists that can be generated based on the foregoing user input, changes to user input, and corresponding resolution by the design software. For example, FIG. 2A shows that, with respect to the scenario of FIG. 1C, the design software uses the then—current data from at least objects 115, 145, and 147 b to determine a parts list 200 a. In particular, FIG. 2A shows that a parts list 200 a based on the generated objects 115, 145, and 147 b can include a wall portion 205 a that includes the specific parts, the numbers of parts, any appropriate hardware for creating walls 110 a and 110 b, and all appropriate stock keeping units (“SKUs”).

The parts list 200 a also includes a table portion 210 a, which can also include the specific parts, the numbers of parts, any appropriate hardware for creating tables 140 a and 140 b, and all appropriate SKUs. For example, parts list 200 a shows that the tables 140 a and 140 b will be built using 8 independent legs, 2 shared legs, and 2 shared mounting brackets, consistent with FIG. 1D. An icon, SKU, description, and amount can be shown for each leg (independent or shared) and appropriate mounting bracket. Although not shown, an automatically updatable (e.g., via an electronic update over a network connection) price for each specific item can also be provided.

By contrast, FIG. 2B shows an updated version of the parts list 200 a, or parts list 200 b, after the tables 140 a and 140 b have been moved apart and no longer share components, such as shown in FIG. 1E. In particular, the parts list 200 b shows no change from wall portion 205 a of list 200 a, but a table portion 210 b that is different from table portion 210 a. For example, parts list 200 b shows that the tables 140 a and 140 b can be created using 2 table tops and 12 independent legs, since there is now no shared material, consistent with the drawings and description of FIG. 1E. Accordingly, FIGS. 2A and 2B show parts lists that include rich information that readily informs the viewer, in an accurate manner, of the contents necessary to build the design in design space 120. (Furthermore, the parts list can be created in a condition to be sent electronically to a fulfillment company over a network.)

FIGS. 2A and 2B also show that the parts lists 200 a and 200 b include the same icon 110 for the walls and the same icon 140 for the tables that were shown previously in the selection section 102 of the design user interface. In one implementation, the user can click on this icon (e.g., 110) and get more information about the wall material, and, in some cases, can even change the material from the parts list. In some cases, if the user changes the material from the parts list, the design software may even resolve other elements in the design space, and hence other portions or elements of the parts list. That is, a change to one material in the parts list can result in another change to another part in the price list, where appropriate.

For example, supposing the user changed the wall material in the wall portion 205 b of parts list 200 b so that wall 110 a could be made using 2 and 3-foot panels. The design software could then resolve the walls based on the user's original intent of drawing an 11-foot wall 110 a, and therefore change the parts list to use three 3-foot panels, and one 2-foot panel. This of course would change the SKUs in the parts list 200 b, as well as the depiction of the walls in a corresponding two or three-dimensional view. Similarly, the user could change the table 140 icon in the table portion 210 a of the parts list 200 a, so that tables 140 a and 140 b are both round tables.

In such a case, the design software might resolve the attributes so that there are now no shared legs or shared mounting brackets, which would result in a deletion of the shared legs and shared brackets from the price list. If the user were then to click into a two or three-dimensional view, the design space 120 might show a new configuration of the tables in a non-joined fashion. Thus, changes in the parts lists and given design space views are automatically coordinated, resolved and reflected in each other.

The preceding schematic diagrams, therefore, illustrate in part how design software in accordance with the present invention can be configured to automatically and accurately monitor static and dynamic attributes or user input. Furthermore, the preceding diagrams illustrate how the design software can automatically revise a design for real-world values, including continually updating both a user interface and an accurate parts list based on real-world situations.

Additional and alternative descriptions relating to the creation of specific data nodes that can be used in the continual update and/or automatic resolution processes used by the design software are found in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Workman Nydegger Attorney Docket No. 16196.1.2), filed on Aug. 16, 2005—the same day as the present application, and entitled “Capturing a User's Design Intent with Resolvable Objects”. Additional and alternative descriptions for displaying automatically resolved user input in two or more dimensional views as described herein in a realistic manner are found in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Workman Nydegger Attorney Docket No. 16196.1.3), filed on Aug. 16, 2005—the same day as the present application, and entitled “Design Software Incorporating Efficient 3-D Rendering”. The entire contents of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention can also be described in terms of functional steps and non-functional acts for accomplishing a method. In particular, FIG. 3 and the following discussion relate to acts and steps for representing user input in design-oriented software, such that the user input can be correlated with other user input and automatically represented through the user interface in an accurate and efficient manner in real-time. FIG. 3 and the following discussion will be discussed with some reference to FIGS. 1A through 1E. FIG. 3 and the following discussion also includes some reference to “initial” and/or “subsequent” acts. It should be appreciated that these designations are primarily to suggest positions of sequence at some point in a continuum, such that an “initial” act may or may not be a first act in a sequence, but is at least prior to a “subsequent” act. Similarly, a “subsequent” act need only be after an “initial” act at some point, and is therefore not necessarily immediately after an “initial act”.

For example, FIG. 3 shows that a method in accordance with the present invention comprises an act 300 of receiving an initial user input having initial attributes. Act 300 includes receiving an initial user input to be displayed through a user interface, the initial user input having one or more initial attributes. For example, a user selects a table that has one or more static attributes related to composition and/or coloring, and then draws a corresponding table 140 a in a design space 120. The table 140 a can contain one or more additional dynamic attributes that relate to length, width, numbers of legs, or corresponding mounting hardware depending on its position in the design space 120, or its position relative to another item (e.g., wall 110 a or 110 b).

FIG. 3 also shows that the method comprises an act 310 of receiving a subsequent user input having subsequent attributes. Act 310 includes receiving a subsequent user input having one or more subsequent attributes that conflict with the one or more initial attributes, such that one or more of the initial user input and the subsequent user input are automatically displayed in a modified form or automatically hidden from view. For example, the design software receives a subsequent user input for a table 140 b, which the user initially places on top of the previously placed table 140 a (e.g., FIG. 1C).

As previously described in FIG. 1C, the input of act 310 can result in some cases in an initial conflict of user input, however, since the design space 120 does not allow for non-real-world situations, and therefore does not allow a table (e.g., table 140 b, FIG. 1C) to be placed partially on top of another table (e.g., table 140 a, FIG. 1C). Thus, the design software modifies one or more attributes related to positioning, numbers of legs, and mounting hardware, to create an appropriate modified position (or other attribute) for table 140 b, as shown in FIG. 1D. That is, where there might be shared hardware, one or more otherwise viewable portions of the item might be hidden from view, since there is no need to show two of the same item in a shared space. In another exemplary case, such as where the user inputs an object such as plant (not shown) to be placed under table 140 a, the object that is placed under table 140 a may be completely hidden from view until the table 140 a is moved or modified in some other way.

In addition, the method of FIG. 3 comprises a step 340 for automatically resolving the representation of the initial user input and the subsequent user input. Step 340 includes automatically resolving the representation of the initial user input and the subsequent user input based on at least one of the one or more initial attributes, the one or more subsequent attributes, and any additional user input, such that at least the initial user input and the subsequent user input are represented through a user interface accurately in real-time. For example, upon recognizing a conflict in positioning between tables 140 a and 140 b in FIG. 1C, the design software automatically adjusts each of the different attributes of the two tables each time the tables so that they are viewed appropriately in the design interface, and so that there is an accurate parts list maintained.

Accordingly, FIG. 3 shows that step 340 comprises an act 320 of receiving a different user input that changes a prior attribute. Act 320 includes receiving a different user input that changes at least one of the one or more initial or subsequent attributes. For example, a user moves table 140 b away from table 140 a (i.e., FIG. 1E), such that at least the position attributes of each table no longer conflict in any meaningful way. As such, step 340 also comprises an act 330 of automatically displaying the initial or subsequent input. Act 330 includes automatically displaying the initial or subsequent user input as originally received. For example, the design software automatically reverts at least a portion of the attributes in tables 140 a and 140 b so that each has the appropriate number of legs and mounting hardware (or lack thereof). Thus, as shown in FIG. 1E, both tables 140 a and 140 b have the same basic appearance in terms of composition and structure as the table icon 110 selected by the user through the selection portion 102 of the design software interface.

Accordingly, the diagrams and methods provided herein illustrate a number of ways and configurations in which design software can be used to automatically adjust prior, present, and/or future user inputs to create an accurate depiction of a design space. In particular, the design software in accordance with the present invention is configured to continually resolve conflicts in user input, as well as to continually resolve appropriate positioning of input in real-time. Furthermore, the design software in accordance with the present invention accomplishes these ends while maintaining an accurate parts list for each of the items placed in a given design space. Thus, implementations of the present invention represent an effective and efficient means for designing any interior and/or exterior space, and ultimately for constructing the same.

FIG. 4 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the invention may be implemented. Although not required, the invention will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by computers in network environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where local and remote processing devices perform tasks and are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

With reference to FIG. 4, an exemplary system for implementing the invention includes a general-purpose computing device in the form of a conventional computer 420, including a processing unit 421, a system memory 422, and a system bus 423 that couples various system components including the system memory 422 to the processing unit 421. The system bus 423 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory includes read only memory (ROM) 424 and random access memory (RAM) 425. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 426, containing the basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the computer 420, such as during start-up, may be stored in ROM 424.

The computer 420 may also include a magnetic hard disk drive 427 for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk 439, a magnetic disc drive 428 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 429, and an optical disc drive 430 for reading from or writing to removable optical disc 431 such as a CD ROM or other optical media. The magnetic hard disk drive 427, magnetic disk drive 428, and optical disc drive 430 are connected to the system bus 423 by a hard disk drive interface 432, a magnetic disk drive-interface 433, and an optical drive interface 434, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 420. Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a magnetic hard disk 439, a removable magnetic disk 429 and a removable optical disc 431, other types of computer readable media for storing data can be used, including magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, and the like.

Program code means comprising one or more program modules may be stored on the hard disk 439, magnetic disk 429, optical disc 431, ROM 424 or RAM 425, including an operating system 435, one or more application programs 436, other program modules 437, and program data 438. A user may enter commands and information into the computer 420 through keyboard 440, pointing device 442, or other input devices (not shown), such as a microphone, joy stick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 421 through a serial port interface 446 coupled to system bus 423. Alternatively, the input devices may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, a game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 447 or another display device is also connected to system bus 423 via an interface, such as video adapter 448. In addition to the monitor, personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers.

The computer 420 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computers 449 a and 449 b. Remote computers 449 a and 449 b may each be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically include many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 420, although only memory storage devices 450 a and 450 b and their associated application programs 436 a and 436 b have been illustrated in FIG. 4. The logical connections depicted in FIG. 4 include a local area network (LAN) 451 and a wide area network (WAN) 452 that are presented here by way of example and not limitation. Such networking environments are commonplace in office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 420 is connected to the local network 451 through a network interface or adapter 453. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 420 may include a modem 454, a wireless link, or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network 452, such as the Internet. The modem 454, which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 423 via the serial port interface 446. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 420, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing communications over wide area network 452 may be used.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. In a computerized environment in which a user interface of a design program is used to design one or more interior or exterior spaces, a method of representing user input through the user interface in an accurate and efficient manner in real-time, comprising the acts of: receiving an initial user input regarding an initial design choice to be displayed through a user interface, the initial user input having one or more initial attributes; receiving a subsequent user input regarding a subsequent design choice, the subsequent user input having one or more subsequent attributes that conflict with the one or more initial attributes, such that one or more of the initial user input and the subsequent user input are automatically displayed in a modified form or automatically hidden from view; receiving a different user input that changes at least one of the one or more initial or subsequent attributes; and automatically displaying the initial and subsequent user input as originally received.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more initial attributes include at least one initial static attribute and at least one initial dynamic attribute, and the one or more subsequent attributes include at least one subsequent static attribute and at least one subsequent dynamic attribute.
 3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein a static attribute relates to a fixed property of a material including a composition or color of the material, and wherein a dynamic attribute relates to a variable property of the material, including the position, shape, height, length, width, or corresponding accessories used with the material.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising automatically determining a solution for the conflict between the one or more initial attributes and the one or more subsequent attributes before receiving the different user input.
 5. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein automatically determining a solution comprises changing a dynamic attribute for the subsequent user input or the initial user input based on one or more of a static attribute of the initial input and a static attribute of the subsequent input.
 6. The method as recited in claim 4, further comprising displaying the solution for the conflict before receiving the different user input, such that the different user input is based at least in part on the displayed solution.
 7. The method as recited in claim 4, further comprising: identifying one or more prior attributes of a prior user input; and identifying whether the determined solution for the conflict results in another conflict with any of the one or more prior attributes.
 8. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising automatically generating a parts list based on each of the one or more initial attributes and the one or more subsequent attributes before receiving the different user input.
 9. The method as recited in claim 8, further comprising automatically generating an updated parts list based on the different user input that changes the at least one of the one or more initial or subsequent attributes.
 10. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the different user input is received through a parts list interface.
 11. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the automatically generated parts list further comprises one or more automatically generated prices corresponding to the one or more initial attributes and the one or more subsequent attributes.
 12. In a computerized environment in which a user interface of a design program is used to design one or more interior or exterior spaces, a method of representing user input through the user interface in an accurate and efficient manner in real-time, comprising the following: an act of receiving an initial user input regarding an initial design choice to be displayed through a user interface, the initial user input having one or more initial attributes; an act of receiving a subsequent user input regarding a subsequent design choice, the subsequent user input having one or more subsequent attributes that conflict with the one or more initial attributes, such that one or more of the initial user input and the subsequent user input are automatically displayed in a modified form or automatically hidden from view; and a step for automatically resolving the representation of the initial user input and the subsequent user input based on at least one of the one or more initial attributes, the one or more subsequent attributes, and any additional user input, such that at least the initial user input and the subsequent user input are represented through a user interface accurately in real-time.
 13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the step for automatically resolving the representation of the initial user input and the subsequent user input comprises the acts of: receiving a different user input that changes at least one of the one or more initial or subsequent attributes; and automatically displaying the initial and subsequent user input as originally received.
 14. In a computerized environment in which a user interface of a design program is used to design one or more interior or exterior spaces, a method of generating an accurate parts list in real-time based on continual user input through the user interface, comprising the acts of: receiving an initial user input relating to the positioning of an initial material in a design space, the initial material having one or more initial static attributes; receiving a subsequent user input relating to the positioning of a subsequent material in the design space, the subsequent material having one or more subsequent static attributes; determining one or more possible dynamic attributes of the initial material and the subsequent material based on the any of the initial and subsequent static attributes and on the positioning of the initial and subsequent material; and displaying a parts list interface that reflects the one or more static attributes and the determined one or more possible dynamic attributes of the initial and subsequent material.
 15. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising receiving a different user input through the parts list interface that changes the initial or subsequent material, such that the corresponding one or more initial or subsequent static attributes have changed.
 16. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising automatically determining one or more other possible dynamic attributes based at least in part on the different user input.
 17. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising displaying an updated form of the parts list based at least in part on the automatically determined one or more other possible dynamic attributes.
 18. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising displaying a design space that reflects the one or more initial and subsequent static attributes and the determined one or more dynamic attributes of the initial and subsequent material.
 19. The method as recited in claim 18, further comprising displaying an updated design space that reflects an update to the determined one or more dynamic attributes of the initial and subsequent material based on input received by the user through the parts list interface.
 20. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising sending one or more of the parts list and a representation of the design space electronically over a network to a fulfillment service.
 21. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein displaying a parts list interface further comprises displaying one or more prices that correspond to the one or more static attributes and the determined one or more possible dynamic attributes of the initial and subsequent material.
 22. In a computerized environment in which a user interface of a design program is used to design one or more interior or exterior spaces, a computer program product having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors in the computerized environment to perform a a method of representing user input through the user interface in an accurate and efficient manner in real-time, comprising the following: receiving an initial user input regarding an initial design choice to be displayed through a user interface, the initial user input having one or more initial attributes; receiving a subsequent user input regarding a subsequent design choice, the subsequent user input having one or more subsequent attributes that conflict with the one or more initial attributes, such that one or more of the initial user input and the subsequent user input are automatically displayed in a modified form or automatically hidden from view; receiving a different user input that changes at least one of the one or more initial or subsequent attributes; automatically displaying the initial and subsequent user input as originally received. 